Archive for November, 2008

November 30, 2008: 10:51 pm: CraigFood, Travel

New York is one of the world’s most popular destinations.  It is also a melting pot of different colorful cultures.  This diversity means that the city offers some of the finest dining experiences around.

New York boasts over 25,000 restaurants located within the city.  This means that it offers something for everyone and the choice can be difficult to make!  It does also have benefits – there are usually New York restaurants that meet your needs close by. You have the choice of prices from inexpensive to very expensive. And so will be able to find something that meets your needs.  There are all types of New York restaurants ranging from delis and coffee shops to top of the line cuisine.  Some may have been established for many years.  Others may feature the very latest in trends or celebrity.

Some areas have a distinct ethnic population and may have a lot of local restaurants for example – Vietnamese, Greek, Jewish, Korean, French, Japanese, Caribbean, Italian, Thai, Indian, and Chinese.  Be sure to try some of the New York specialties like pizza, cheesecake, knishes, and clam chowder.

Enjoy your visit to the city and make sure to plan the New York restaurants or types of meals you want to have in advance.

November 28, 2008: 6:47 pm: CraigTravel

Jaipur is located in the Rajasthan area of India.  It is the capital and largest city in Rajasthan and is known as ‘the Pink City.  It was built in the 1700s by the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh.  It is the base city and popular for tourists going to the desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.

Jaipur is home three Rajput forts that are popular with tourists. These are the Amer fort, the Jaigarh fort, and the Nahargarh fort.  The Amer fort features both Hindu and Mughal architecture and was built with red sandstone and marble.  The ancient township of Amer is nearby.  The Jaigarh fort was built in 1726 and houses a museum and the worlds largest cannon on wheels.  The Nahargarh for stands high above the city on the edge of the Aravalli Hills.  It offers wonderful views of the city.

The city make a great starting base for exploring India and has lots of accommodation offerings including five star Jaipur hotels.  Many of the buildings in the city were built with res sandstone and have a distinct pink coloring.   Jaipur lies close to the capital city of New Delhi, and you can travel to it via road, rail and air. Jaipur walled city is small and is easy to explore by foot.

: 11:23 am: CraigBusiness, Employment

Going up the corporate ladder can be difficult for most, especially when the economy is not doing well. Obtaining more training and education during these times helps ensure job security and can increase an employees usefulness to an organization.

Enrolling in management training is useful to learn how to better interact with your peers and get more out of your team.  This can also teach managers more effective ways of dealing with their employees to ensure they maximize their talents. These skills have the potential to decrease employee turnover as employee satisfaction ratings would increase due to improved relations with their manager.

Enrolling in sales training is another course to keep in mind when trying to improve your skill set.  Even if you’re not selling to in the traditional sense, you’re always selling. Trying to convince a boss, employee, shareholder, or any other stakeholder to believe you or take an action is ultimately selling.  To become more proficient in this area will only help you down the line.

Presentation training could also be useful as the higher you get up the corporate ladder the more presentations you give. Whether it’s employees, management, or shareholders, the better you come across the more secure your job will be and in times like these, the more security the better.

November 21, 2008: 1:39 pm: CraigTravel

Mumbai which use to be named Bombay is a major city in India.  The city is a mix of the old and the new and has a very colorful past.  There is so much for visitors to see and explore.  The streets are bustling with life and there is a multitude of ancient buildings including museums and mosques and museums around the city.

When you visit Mumbai you have many accommodation options.  There range from simple guest houses to five star hotels Mumbai.  You will definitely want to do some shopping in the city as there are many bargain to be had.  You can pick up most things including designer clothes, DVDs. CDs and other assorted gifts such as pottery, carved items, carpets, silver, silk scarf’s, tea and brass items.

Mahatma Gandhi lived In Mumbai and the place where he resided is now a museum. The famous Colaba District is popular with visitors who are looking for great shopping.  There are many quality thing to buy including fabrics, jewelry, and artifacts.  The district also has many historical buildings to visit.  The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station is not to be missed.  It is a fine example of colonial India and is now a world heritage site.  You can also visit the Gateway of India Museum which is close by.

Mumbai has many fine restaurants to dine in.  The food is delicious  and laced with exotic spices.  There is a great array of delicious vegetarian dishes as well as other side dishes. Most of these fine restaurants pride themselves on their service.  The city of Mumbai is well worth a visit!

November 20, 2008: 7:07 pm: CraigTravel

Delhi is a colorful and historical an ancient city. I has a strong sense of culture, history, and people. It is the capital city of India and thus is often the main entry point for visitors to India. Once situated in Delhi, visitors can travel on to other areas of India such as Himachal Pradesh, the Punjab, Rajasthan, and Ladakh.

The city of Delhi has got it all ranging from ancient monuments to modern scrapers and shopping malls. Because this is an ancient city there are many historical buildings to explore. There is also many modern business and commercial centers and many large international organizations make Delhi their home. For tourists it is a city to explore. This includes the street scenes and marketplaces, shops, restaurants and Delhi five star hotels.

The city is heavily influenced by its past and its history. This is evident in much of the architecture around the city. During its history Delhi has been ruined and then rebuilt 7 times. However it’s the people that inhabit the city that makes it special.

Delhi is a place that attracts many thousands of people to tour its rich heritage, its teeming streets, its historical buildings, its culinary attractions and its melting pot of cultures and people. Delhi is the perfect base for your explorations on any trip to India.

November 18, 2008: 3:01 pm: CraigTravel

Hyderabad in India is called the Pearl City.  It has many attractions for visitors ranging from Heritage monuments, Gardens and Resorts, Lakes and Parks, Museums to restaurants and shops.  There are also many resorts and five star hotels in Hyderabad.

The religious building of Charminar was built in 1591 and is located at the centre of the old city layout. It includes a mosque and has forty five prayer spaces.  It is illuminated in the evenings in spectacular style.  Near to Charminar is the Mecca Masjid  a famous mosque.  The Golconda Fort is famous throughout India.  It basically means ‘Shepherd’s Hill’. It is famous for its acoustics, palaces, water supply system.  It also includes the Fateh Rahben gun.  There is a sound and light show held at Golconda Fort.

Near the Golconda Fort are located the Qutb Shahi Tombs.  Within these tombs lie Qutb Shahi kings who planned and built the tombs.   The tombs may be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. The Legislative Assembly bas built in 1913 and was originally the Hyderabad Town Hall. Nearby at the entrance is a large statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

November 14, 2008: 1:06 pm: CraigTravel

Mallorca (also known as Majorca) is located in the Mediterranean and is Spain’s largest island.  It has become one of the worlds to tourist destinations because of its beauty, its wonderful beaches and warm, dry summers.

Mallorca has a Mediterranean climate and has around three hundred sunny days per year.  In the summer the temperatures are warm but the island has the cooling influence of the surrounding sea.  In the winter time the weather is mild and mainly dry.

When you visit the island you will have a great many shopping opportunities.  The local culture and crafts create many original gifts that you can pick up in the markets.  Markets are generally held in Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.

Accommodation on the island ranges from tourist resorts to 5 star hotels Mallorca and from simple guest houses to well equipped cottages.  There are many fine restaurants across the island offering a variety of different dishes.

Food in Mallorca is Spanish that is influenced by many different cultures including Moorish, Catalan and Jewish.  Local dishes include lots of seafood as well as pork, cheese and locally grown vegetables and fruits.

Places to see on the island include the Cathedral La Seu (a gothic cathedral in Palma), the Castell de Bellver (a castle in Palma) and the Es Baluard Museum (a museum housing bothe modern and contemporary art)

November 13, 2008: 3:07 am: CraigTravel

Madrid is a wonderful capital city to visit. It is a city built around diversity. There weather is great year round and the streets are alive and energetic. Madrid is a city that is a paradise for visitors including museums and art galleries, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and concert halls and music of all types. People truly live life with zest in the streets of Madrid.

The Madrid architecture is fascinating but probably not in the same league Barcelona. It’s a great city to explore and people watch. This is especially true around Old Madrid of the Habsburgs including the areas of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. There are many five star Madrid hotels around the city offering many amenities for visitors.

On the artistic front the Prado Museum is a major attraction including the most popular exhibit Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ in the Reina-Sofia. Traditional Spanish arts is also very popular including the largest bullring in Spain at Las Ventas. Traditional music and dance are represented by flamenco which is extremely popular with visitors.

One of the worlds top soccer clubs is Real Madrid and people flock to the city on match days to visit the Bernabeu stadium. Away days are also popular including trips to Segovia, Toledo, El Escorial etc.

November 11, 2008: 11:32 pm: CraigTravel

Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic city to visit offering beautiful; scenery, modern architecture, bustling neighborhoods and lively markets!   Check out some amazing modern buildings, amazing restaurants and some 5 star hotels Kuala Lumpur.  To many people the city is known as KL.

Kuala Lumpur has a Little India section which is found along Masjid India Street, near Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. There are many Indian shops selling traditional Indian items including milk, breads,  Bollywood music and flower garlands.

Kampung Bahru  is one of the oldest Malay residential area in Kuala Lumpur and is located about ten minutes away from Chow Kit Market. It was founded in the 19th century and there are still authentic traditional Malay wooden houses to see.  This makes a great contrast with the modern sections of the city.  The Sunday Market is very popular and includes jewelry and clothes, the fabrics, the handicrafts and delicious Malay food.

The Batu Caves is to the north of the city and are located in a large limestone hill which is shaped like a big mound.  It is mainly a religious site of worship for Hindus and the main cave includes a few statues and altars. While you walk down past them you will view an opening in the roof of the hill, where sunlight filters in through into the cave.

November 10, 2008: 3:12 pm: CraigTravel

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures.  And nowhere is this more evident than in the variety of restaurants and food available in the country.   The food is very tasty, often spicy and combines elements of Chinese, Indian and Malay ingredients.    Although many traditional dishes came from these countries these have evolved into dishes that are truly Singapore in character.

The Hainanese chicken rice includes a ginger-garlic chilli sauce but is different from the original dish.  Black pepper crab and chilli crab are similar to the Chinese versions and Indian dishes such as roti prata, and rojak are completely unique Indian adaptations.

This diversity of flavors, cuisines, and aromas are what makes the best Singapore restaurants unique.  The use of  a wide range of diverse spices and condiments  combine to produce the Singapore cuisine which is famous around the world and so popular with both locals and tourists.

November 9, 2008: 11:08 pm: CraigBeauty

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all!!  Many people find that spa resorts are the perfect escape and an opportunity to kick back and be looked after.  Spas offer a place to be pampered and relaxed away from the stresses of normal life. Many spas foster this environment by banning cellphones, the Internet and TV so that there are no distractions from the pursuit of relaxation.

At a spa resort there are many different types of treatment That you can enjoy.  These include baths and massages as well as body scrubs, manicures and pedicures.  Be aware that the staff at these spas are professionals and so you will be well looked after and your comfort and modesty will be given the highest priority.

Massage techniques have developed around the world over thousands of years.  Massage therapists are trained in specific techniques relating to their particular field.  Make sure to let them know your preferences when you are preparing for your massage.  You can suggest music, room temperature or other things that will make the experience more comfortable for you.

Everyone should try a spa resort at one point in their life.  There are many located around the country and internationally as well.  If you are traveling or on vacationthey make an ideal way to recover from a long trip or to help you relax.

November 6, 2008: 8:30 pm: CraigBusiness, Travel

Visitors to the World Travel Market in London on November 10-13 will be able to expand on their knowledge of the Balearic Islands in Spain.  Booth number EM 540 will feature information about the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.  Visitors will also be able to try some of the delicious culinary specialties at the booth.

The booth will be presenting the new features in their offer for the upcoming tourist season. Sixteen co-exhibitors, including institutions and professionals, complete the islands’ representation in London.

There will be exhibits relating sailing, golf and congress.  Also incentives will also be featured for the coming year. The Ministry for the Environment will be providing information relating to the islands environment and initiatives that they are taking in the field.  Also on offer will be typical examples of Balearic products including olive oil and wine.  These will be offered every day thanks to the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and some wineries from all over the Balearic Islands.

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands.  Find out more about five star hotels Mallorca.  Ibiza is a popular destination especially with the younger crowd.  Check out Ibiza boutique hotels.  There are many hotels on the four main islands.  You are sure to find the best Balearic hotels to meet your needs.

November 5, 2008: 5:27 pm: CraigBusiness

If you are planning a new kitchen you may want to consider hiring a space planner or interior designer.  They can help you to storage capacity as well as make it look nice.  What are your options?  Well a large central island always is useful.  What else can you use?  A cook top including downdraft venting, a microwave, a breakfast bar, a prep sink, and many storage compartments.  You may want to reduce your countertops into more manageable sections.  Whatever you are thinking about – you should do some planning.  It is a good idea to visit a kitchen store such as UK Kitchens or North East Kitchen Companies.

A brand new kitchen make a great addition to your home.  In many homes it is the place where most family members spend their time – cooking, eating, homework, talking, and celebrations.  Because it is an important area it should be welcoming and comfortable.  Therefore when planning a remodel you should start by assessing your needs.

Before you begin work you should determine what you want, what you can afford and how much work it will involve.  You will want all of these to fit into the overall vision of your new kitchen.  It is also worth considering whether you should build a new kitchen or remodel your old one.  There is a lot of work involved in installing a new kitchen and it is amazing the results that can be achieved by remodeling your old kitchen.

November 2, 2008: 9:44 pm: CraigTravel

Bangkok is a vibrant city located in Thailand in Southeastern Asia.  It is an exciting city to visit with many attractions.  The city has many accommodation options ranging from guesthouses to five star hotels Bangkok.  Great prices can be found in each category of hotels including Bangkok business hotels.

The Chao Phraya River runs through the city center and Bangkok has many unique gilded palaces and temples.  There are also many great shopping options for tourists.  The city offers many contracts from the old to the new and the traditional to modern.  In Bangkok you will discover temples, palaces, shopping malls, traditional markets, and an energetic nightlife.  Enjoy a tuk ride, a Thai kickboxing match or another truly Thai experience.

At nighttime Bangkok comes alive.  The traffic slows down, businesses close up for the night and its time to indulge in nighttime activities such as clubbing, shopping, karaoke, bar hopping, dining, or one of the many shows that are on.  There are five main areas Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, Silom, Royal City Avenue and Siam.

: 7:26 pm: CraigBusiness, Home & Garden

Keeping an aquarium is a popular hobby.  Many people like the look of an aquarium in their home or office.  Other people are interested in fish.  Whatever the reason for deciding to set up an aquarium there are some basic things you should consider.

Firstly you should take a look around some aquatic shops to see what types of aquariums are out there.  You can choose between salt water and fresh water aquariums.  Be aware that fresh water is easier to maintain.  Once you have had a look around the aquatic shops make a list of the items you will need.  These fall into 3 categories – equipment, supplies and fish.

The type of tank depends to a large extent on the location or the room it will be in.  Look for the right size.  Once you have the tank then you will need associated equipment such as thermometers, lighting, covers and heaters.  Supplies come in the form of cleaning equipment, food and nets.  You will also have to decide on the types of fish you are going to keep and the amount.  It is a good idea to discuss this with the experts at your aquatic shop.